The quick answer: allow about 1 lb (around 450 g) of whole turkey per person, raw weight. Want leftovers? Allow about 1.5 lb (around 700 g).
Turkey size chart
| Guests | Whole turkey (no leftovers) | With leftovers |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 lb · 1.8 kg | 6 lb · 2.7 kg |
| 6 | 6 lb · 2.7 kg | 9 lb · 4.1 kg |
| 8 | 8 lb · 3.6 kg | 12 lb · 5.4 kg |
| 10 | 10 lb · 4.5 kg | 15 lb · 6.8 kg |
| 12 | 12 lb · 5.4 kg | 18 lb · 8.2 kg |
| 14 | 14 lb · 6.4 kg | 21 lb · 9.5 kg |
| 16 | 16 lb · 7.3 kg | 24 lb · 10.9 kg |
| 20 | 20 lb · 9.1 kg | 30 lb · 13.6 kg |
Whole birds include bone, so the weight per person is higher than for a boneless breast joint. UK retailer guides suggest a similar figure of roughly 450–500 g per person for a whole bird.
Then check the timings
A bigger bird needs longer to thaw and roast. A 14 lb turkey needs about 3–4 days in the fridge to thaw and 3¾–4¼ hours at 325°F (USDA, unstuffed).
FAQs
How much turkey do I need for 10 people?
About 10 lb (4.5 kg) of whole turkey, or 15 lb (6.8 kg) if you want plenty of leftovers.
Is a turkey breast joint different?
Yes. Boneless breast has no waste, so you need less weight per person than for a whole bird.
How long does a bigger turkey take to thaw?
About 24 hours in the fridge for every 4–5 lb (USDA guidance).
Plan it in minutes
The planner suggests a turkey size from your RSVP list, then works out the thaw date, oven time and a full timeline for the day.
See the Christmas Dinner Planner →
